What's that Smell? Could it be Skunks Using Your Property for their Mating Ritual?

MOSQUITO BYTES NEWSLETTER

WHAT'S THAT SMELL? IT COULD BE SKUNKS USING YOUR PROPERTY FOR THEIR ANNUAL MATING RITUAL

By Taking Steps Now, You May Avoid that Memorable Smell While Reducing the Risk of Rabies from Skunks

Although skunks can be beneficial because they will eat grubs and other pests, skunks are also the animal you often smell coming. That's because they have the ability to spray a strong musk 10 to 12 feet, which they use as a defense mechanism. But that's not all skunks are known for. In California, skunks can also transmit the rabies virus. And during this time of year, they are about to start their annual mating ritual, which means they will be looking for a place to call home for about the next six months.

To prevent skunks from choosing your property, increasing the risk of rabies, and increasing the chance that they might spray you or your dog, it's important to remove food and shelter opportunities for skunks right now.

Remove Potential Sources of Shelter

Check vent screens around the base of the home and garage, replace any ripped vent screens, and reinforce or replace any vent screens that do not fit properly
Secure outside crawl space doors to prevent entry from animals
Install 1/2 inch wire mesh around decks, sheds, and the foundation of your home
Clear debris piles so that skunks cannot burrow beneath the debris to create shelter
Thin or remove dense vegetation like ivy
Secure pet doors so that they cannot open overnight
Store compost in a container rather than a pile on the ground
Store firewood at least 18 inches above the ground

Remove Potential Sources of Food

Treat the lawn to prevent grubs
Pick up any fallen fruit
Remove outdoor pet food bowls and water dishes
Store pet food in metal containers with tight-fitting lids
Remove bird feeders at ground level and remove any bird seed that has spilled
Keep garbage in a garbage container with a tight-fitting lid

Reducing the Risk of Rabies

While the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) has not detected rabies in skunks within Contra Costa County in recent years, they can become infected with rabies and transmit the virus if they bite a person or other animal.

Signs of a rabid skunk include:

A lack of fear of approaching humans
Unprovoked aggression toward humans or other animals
Disorientation and staggering
Abnormal vocalizations and noises
Paralysis or muscle weakness

The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District's Skunk Service

The District's program to reduce the likelihood that humans come into contact with skunks is designed to reduce the risk of rabies.

A state-certified District technician will take a look at your front and back yard to identify signs of skunk activity on residential properties.

A District employee looks for signs of skunk activity

Based on the District employee's observations, the employee will provide residents with expert guidance on implementing effective deterrents and exclusion techniques to prevent skunks from taking up residence on the property and/or finding sources of food.

Skunks enter mating season in January and February. Then, the pregnant female skunk stays sheltered until she gives birth, typically to six to 10 young skunks, known as kits. The kits will stay close to their mother to learn survival skills, including how to hunt for food, until the young skunks venture out on their own, usually by September or October.

That's why now is the time to take action, to get your property clear of any sources of food and buttoned up to prevent skunks from seeking shelter under your home, deck, or shed.

For more information on how to reduce the risk of skunks on your property, visit the District's website or contact the District to request the District's Skunk Service. By taking steps now, you may be able to avoid that memorable smell while reducing the risk of rabies, on your property.

Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Contact the District to report mosquito and vector problems online or at (925) 685-9301.

Website ○ About Us ○ Services & Programs

○ Media/News/Events ○ Contact Us

Join Our Mailing List